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Alyssa Vilardi | DIY + FLIPS

@the_things_we_built

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🏡 Designing and DIYing our abandoned home
🖤Mother and Milspo
📍Philadelphia, PA
Collabs/PR: [email protected]
Shop my home and projects ⬇️

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I thought it was time to reintroduce myself!
Hi! I’m Alyssa 😊
I’m a mom, military spouse, DIYer, and owner of TTWB
I used to be an elementary school teacher, but after we had kids, I became a stay at home mom. On the outside I looked like a kick-ass mom and house wife. The house was always perfectly clean, I made meals from scratch, and I spent my time doing library trips and homeschooling my kids. But I was the unhappiest I’ve ever been in my life. I was depressed and suffered from crippling anxiety.
I looked the part, but I sure didn’t feel it.
I needed a change. My family needed me not to be perfect, but to be happy.
So I worked with therapy and medication with my doctor AND made some major changes.
I no longer make meals from scratch. I pay someone to clean my home. I send my kids to school. And I work from home… as a small business owner doing what I love! It may not be perfect, but who needs perfect?
I love creating and building, but I used to be SO intimidated by the things I now do on a daily basis! My goal is to teach YOU to use your hand, create beautiful pieces and spaces in your home, and feel empowered and proud! I make mistakes (lots of them) but I share those with you too because that’s how we learn!

Check out the link in my bio for my website, my favorite products, freebies, diy consultations, and my Amazon storefront!

Thank you for following me @the_things_we_built ❤️

#furnitureflippersofinstagram #diyhomedecor #diyhomeprojects #furnituredesign #furnitureflip #smallbusinessmama #armywife #nashville taken in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by @the_things_we_built

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4 years ago

Tile job is done!!
Saving thousands by tiling myself was SO worth it, but don't get it twisted, it was A LOT of MESSY work!
What do you think?? See you soon for the vanity build!

Order of operations⬇️
-remove lose old mortar and high spots
-fill holes and gaps
-prime floor
-leveler
-uncoupling
-tile (from @loweshomeimprovement )
-grout

You can find all of this on my Lowe's storefront in the pinned post!

#diybathroom #kidsbathroom #greenbathroom #bathroomremodel #bathroomdesign taken in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by @the_things_we_built

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a day ago

Would you?? 👀👀👀
#redbathroom #redroom #diyhomeprojects #diybathroom by @the_things_we_built

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15 days ago

My kids don't have an off button 🫠

AD The @realtruck BAKFlip MX4 (Gen 3) truck bed cover was the best choice to replace my old cheap bed cover. I needed 100% bed access, something that wouldn't collapse in heavy rain, quick easy install, and security for all my expansive DIY stuff!

I feel so bougie pulling up to the hardware store 💅🏻

It took 30 minutes to install, no drilling into my frame, and it is completely beginner friendly.

Visit realtruck.com to learn more!

#RealTruckPartner #DrivenByInnovation #diytruck #diyhome taken in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by @the_things_we_built

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10 days ago

👀Worth it?? Or should I have just spent the $2k?
What I used ⬇️⬇️
Window cling: @wallpops x @fromclj style Cora
Stain: @minwaxusa dark walnut
Seal: @minwaxusa satin
Knob and plate: while it's pretty I don't actually recommend it 👀 the plate and knob are two different tones!
Knob jig: @craftsman
Door: @wayfair frosted half-lite

#diydoor #diykitchen #bluekitchen #diycabinets #diyhomedecor taken in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by @the_things_we_built

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a month ago

Which tile should I choose???👀

AD Comment “paint” and I'll send over the sprayer AND my new favorite way to roll paint by @wagnerspraytech

Colors used: SW Dover White and Lightened Green

See you soon! We still have tile, custom vanity build, and decorating to do!

#bathroomreno #diybathroom #kidsbathroom #greenbathroom taken in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by @the_things_we_built

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a month ago

Now What do we do with it??? 👀

Products used:
-Craft paper (I just send the construction roll I protect my floors with from @loweshomeimprovement 😂)
-1" and 2" upholstery foam
- @thegorillagluecompany spray adhesive
- stapler (pneumatic or hand)
-batting
-furniture backing (headboard only)
-curtains! (Or fabric of choice)
- @mohawkfinishing wood toner in dark mahogany

Ideally you'd cover up your rough back or insides BUT if it's just for you, no one will see it... so I didn't, because this isn't Lyss's Professional Upholstery and I was on a tight timeline 😉

#diyhomeprojects #diyhomedecor #diybed #diyupholstery #diyhomereno taken in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by @the_things_we_built

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2 months ago

🎉It's DONE! #ad #lowespartner
Find everything I used to create this build on my Lowe's Storefront or comment "cabinet."

A month of hard work and a whole lot of trips to @loweshomeimprovement and we have the PERFECT set up that fits our family's needs. The beverage fridge is the hero here because I don't have ANY more room to share in my main fridge (also it is not lost on me how blessed to be able to have a full fridge!!!), the coffee station was designed for functionality, and the extra cabinets give us more storage that we lost in taking out cabinets for our range hood!

Let me know what you think of the blue throughout!💙

See you soon for the wooden door project!

#lowesproject #bluekichen #diykitchen
diykitchenreno diycabinets taken in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by @the_things_we_built

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3 months ago

My kids' screams 🥹🥹🥹
LIVE on Tuesday 7/28, 10am hour, on the TODAY show with Jenna & Sheinelle! Can't wait to show you what we created for it!!

Now guess how many times it took to get this shot right 😂

And see you in stories Monday and Tuesday for behind the scenes!

#diyhomeprojects #furnitureartist #diyhomedecor #paintedfurniture #furniturerestoration taken in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by @the_things_we_built

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3 months ago

Worth the extra work to save the $$??👀

This is the home stretch of our DIY kitchen renovation! Make sure you're following so you don't miss the reveal!! 😁

#diykitchen #bluekitchen #kitchenremodeling #kitchenrenovation #diyhomedecor taken in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by @the_things_we_built

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3 months ago

AD be honest, when is the last time you ACTUALLY changed your air filter?
I partnered with @americanstandard_hvac to help you save money and have a more comfortable summer. Regular maintenance and simple upkeep can greatly extend the life of your HVAC unit, decrease your energy bill, and make you feel a lot more comfortable. What are some things you suggest I add to the list? Check out American Standard’s website for more tips and how to find a Customer Care Dealer near you!
#americanstandard #hvac #summerprep #hotgirlsummer🔥 taken in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by @the_things_we_built

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4 months ago

We can agree it's blue now???
AD Months of prep and work finished with a custom mixed paint color and @wagnerspraytech FLEXiO 3500 paint sprayer for the best result!

Comment SPRAY and I'll send you the 🔗

Color: 1 part @farrowandball Siffkey Blue, 2 parts @farrowandball Railings, splash of water

What do you think? Was it worth it?
See you soon for custom cabinet build!

#kitchenremodel #kitchenrenovation #diykitchen #bluekitchen #diyhomeprojects taken in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by @the_things_we_built

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4 months ago